International Day of Forests: 4,620 people set record for largest tree hug in India

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Asianet News Network Pvt. Ltd. recently attempted to set a new world record for the Largest tree hug, in honour of the United Nations' International Day of Forests.

The news broadcaster teamed up with Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) in Thiruvananthapuram, India and invited thousands of people to attend an event themed 'My Tree, My Life'.

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The rules for this record challenge required every participant to hug one tree for a minimum of 60 seconds, with their arms spread around the tree trunk for the entire attempt. Anyone who did not follow the rules was excluded from the final total.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishi Nath officiated the attempt and was thrilled to announce that a massive new record of 4,620 people had been set, smashing the previous number of 1,316 people.

Rishi presented a certificate to Honourable Govenor of the state Shri. Justice P. Sathasivam, who said: “This is a very meaningful event. I saw small children hugging trees. This is a new beginning.”

The event was organised to highlight the importance of protecting our environment.

The 300-acre JNTBGRI gardens are home to hundreds of different tropical tree species and the institute puts a huge focus on conservation.

Among the participants who came along to show their support for trees and forests were government officials, media, activists, celebrities and local students.